Podcast
Skip the Queue
Hosted by Rubber Cheese · EN
Skip the Queue is for visitor attraction owners, directors and suppliers who want to improve their organisations and deliver a better experience for their guests. Each episode we speak with inspiring industry experts who share their knowledge of what really makes an attraction successful.
This podcast is brought to you by Merac. We're here to help attractions unlock growth with innovative solutions, expert insights, and customer-first strategies.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Makes an Award-Winning Theme Park? With Lawrence Roots
6d ago00:26:43Tap to summarizeAndy Povey is joined by Lawrence Roots to discuss the UK Theme Park Awards, industry trends, and his Guinness World Record challenge to visit every nominated UK theme park. Plus, Josh Haywood from Crealy shares his excitement for this year's awards and the park's latest developments. Topics Discussed The growth and purpose of Theme Park Network How the UK Theme Park Awards recognise excellence New award categories introduced for 2026 Lawrence Roots' Guinness World Record challenge Visiting all 37 nominated UK theme parks in 15 days Trends shaping the UK theme park industry Brand activations and IP partnerships The importance of presentation standards and landscaping Why staff are the key to exceptional guest experiences Theme Park Personality, Rising Star and Outstanding Achievement awards The value of public voting Continuous investment in attractions and guest experiences Josh Haywood on Crealy's new attractions for 2026 Josh Haywood's Theme Park Personality nomination Behind the scenes at the start of Lawrence's record-breaking journey Show references: Lawrence Roots, Founder of UK Theme Park Awards https://www.ukthemeparkawards.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ukthemeparkawards/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-roots/ Theme Park Awards: How They Work and Why You Should Care - Lawrence Roots https://skipthequeue.fm/episodes/lawrence-roots Josh Haywood - Board Director of Crealy Theme Park Resort https://www.crealy.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-haywood-68463630/ Voting in the 2026 UK Theme Park Awards is now open from the 20th July until the 28th August 2026. Register now to vote. https://www.ukthemeparkawards.com/register Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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The UK VAT Cut for Attractions: Pass Savings to Guests or Invest in Growth? with Clive Morris
2w ago00:45:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Clive Morris, founder of CCM Consulting, to explore the financial realities facing visitor attractions. They discuss the recent UK VAT changes, why collecting the right operational and financial data matters, and how attractions can strengthen the case for future VAT reform. Clive also shares practical advice on connecting finance with day-to-day operations to support better business decisions. Topics Discussed The recent VAT changes affecting UK visitor attractions Why finance and operations should work more closely together The importance of collecting accurate visitor and revenue data Building the case for future VAT reform Using financial insights to improve operational decisions Common financial challenges facing attractions Practical advice for attraction leaders and finance teams How better reporting supports long-term business growth Show references: Clive Morris - founder of CCM Consulting https://cmm-consulting.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-morris/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Sami Entwisle Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwisle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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Boost your bottom line: Understanding Dynamic Pricing with Adriaan van der Hek
3w ago00:34:23Tap to summarizeDynamic pricing can be one of the most powerful tools available to visitor attractions but only when it's used well. Andy Povey is joined by pricing expert Adriaan Van Der Hek to discuss the practical realities of dynamic pricing, how it benefits both attractions and visitors, and why getting your pricing strategy right can drive higher revenue, better attendance and happier guests. Topics Discussed What dynamic pricing really means for visitor attractions The evolution of dynamic pricing over the past two decades Balancing revenue optimisation with guest satisfaction Using demand forecasting to influence ticket pricing Common misconceptions about dynamic pricing How attractions can introduce dynamic pricing successfully The role of technology and online booking platforms Managing peak and off-peak demand Pricing strategies for different attraction types Using data to make smarter commercial decisions Encouraging advance bookings through pricing Practical advice for attractions considering dynamic pricing Show references: Adriaan van der Hek - COO of HomeBuddy - AI, SaaS, Data, Tech, Advertising, Dynamic Pricing, Operations, E-Commerce, Lead Generation https://contractor.homebuddy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/homebuddycom/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajvdhek/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Sami Entwisle Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwisle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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Creating Tomorrow's Attractions: Inside Three Major 2026 Launches - Lawrence Mancey, James Cox, Hogne Høstmælingen and Guest Host Owen Ralph
4w ago00:34:03Tap to summarizeIn this Summer Special of Skip the Queue, guest host and attractions industry journalist Owen Ralph is joined by three theme park operators for a closer look at their new offerings for 2026. Lawrence Mancey discusses Paultons Park’s £12 million themed area Valgard, the largest ever investment at the UK park, also home to Peppa Pig World. He explains how the viking theme was a ‘no-brainer’, why the family-run park likes creating its own IP, and also tells us about Paultons’ embryonic holiday park plans. Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s James Cox highlights the famous park’s new £8.7 million Aviktas thrill ride and its long-running Hot Ice show. He also explains how the team is trying to revitalise neglected areas of the seaside site and why its operating season is longer than most other British parks. Finally, Hogne Høstmælingen from Hunderfossen in Norway – celebrating its 40th anniversary this season – tell us about the Lillehammer park’s troll roots and much more. We hear how an IP first introduced in 2014 has spawned three attractions including a rollercoaster, Thea Award-winning simulator experience and the new dark ride Rally Flåklypa. Topics Discussed Developing a new themed area Working with intellectual properties Increasing Paultons’ appeal to older kids The flexibility of lodge accommodation Vs a hotel Choosing a new thrill and where to site it Revitalising a forgotten corner of Blackpool Pleasure Beach How an eye-catching ride can be an ‘attraction’ even to those that don’t ride it Live entertainment and its role in broadening a park’s offering Squeezing a dark ride into a remarkably small building How Hunderfossen invested in a movie to extend an IP’s life A unique troll-themed dining experience An enchanting winter park offer Show references: Guest host: Owen Ralph International Editor, Kirmes & Park International Regular contributor, Blooloop/World’s Fair www.kirmesparkrevue.de www.wordsandattractions.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-ralph/ Lawrence Mancey Marketing and Technology Director, Paultons Park, UK www.paultonspark.co.uk/themed-worlds/valgard-realm-of-the-vikings https://796f0761.flowpaper.com/GemiKirmes0726E150/#page=24 James Cox Director of Marketing, Sales and PR, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, UK www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/aviktas www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows/hot-ice Hogne Høstmælingen General Manager, Hunderfossen, Norway www.hunderfossen.no/en/ www.boldmove-nation.com/rally-fl%C3%A5klypa Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Owen Ralph Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwisle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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Inside Arcade Arena: Building the World’s New Live Gaming Experience - Matt Stubbs
Jun 2400:37:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Matt Stubbs, Creative Director at Little Lion Entertainment, shares insights into the innovative world of immersive entertainment, from the origins of the Crystal Maze to the cutting-edge Arcade Arena concept. Discover how technology, storytelling, and experiential design are shaping the future of location-based entertainment. Topics Discussed The evolution of immersive experiences from theatre to tech-driven attractions The concept and development of Arcade Arena as a new entertainment category The integration of gaming, live performance, and technology Designing scalable and repeatable experiences like Pac-Man and Chaos Carts The importance of human interaction and storytelling in immersive entertainment Future trends in location-based entertainment and destination experiences The role of innovation, testing, and iteration in attraction development Balancing nostalgia with new technology to create engaging experiences Show references: Matt Stubbs - Director of Creative at Little Lion Entertainment https://littlelionentertainment.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-lion-entertainment-limited/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-stubbs-8869161b0/ Arcade Arena opening in September https://www.rli.uk.com/little-lion-entertainment-unveils-arcade-arena/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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Universal Is Coming: What Does It Mean for the Future of UK Attractions? - Duncan Phillips
Jun 1700:42:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Andy Povey is joined by Duncan Phillips, Founder and Managing Director of DP Leisure and DP Associates, the team behind 360 Play. They discuss the potential impact of Universal's proposed UK resort, the opportunities it could create for attractions, and how operators can adapt to changing guest expectations. Duncan shares his thoughts on destination thinking, collaboration, competition, and the priorities attractions should focus on over the next five years. Topics Discussed Universal's proposed UK destination resort and its potential impact How major attractions influence regional tourism Opportunities for existing attractions to benefit from increased visitor numbers The role of destination resorts in shaping visitor behaviour Collaboration versus competition within the attractions sector Lessons from international theme park destinations The importance of differentiation and unique experiences How family attractions can position themselves for future growth Infrastructure, accommodation, and wider economic impacts What operators should be doing now to prepare Show references: Duncan Phillips, Founder and Managing Director of DP Leisure and DP Associates https://www.dpassociates.uk.com/ https://360play.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-phillips-7b8962112/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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The Weather Forecast Debate Every Attraction Is Talking About - Rob Comley and Simon Townsend with Guest Host, Olly Reed
Jun 300:30:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Skip the Queue, guest host Olly Reed from Navigate is joined by Rob Comley of Chester Zoo and Simon Townsend of the Eden Project to discuss the growing impact of weather forecasting apps on visitor attractions. They discuss how simple weather icons can influence consumer behaviour, with misleading rain forecasts causing significant drops in attendance even when poor weather never materialises. Rob shares the story behind Chester Zoo's campaign calling for improvements to how weather forecasts are displayed, a movement now supported by more than 100 attractions and businesses across the UK. They discuss changing visitor behaviour, the importance of value for money, the rise of last-minute booking habits, and the role weather perception plays in decision-making. The episode also looks ahead to the campaign's upcoming discussions with the Met Office and highlights exciting developments at Chester Zoo and the Eden Project. Topics Discussed The impact of weather app icons on visitor attraction attendance How weather perception influences consumer decision-making Chester Zoo's campaign for improved weather forecast presentation The economic impact of inaccurate weather perceptions on attractions Industry support from attractions, farm shops, events, and hospitality businesses Visitor behaviour changes and the rise of last-minute bookings The relationship between weather forecasts and value for money expectations Differences in how weather affects Chester Zoo and the Eden Project The role of the Met Office and discussions around forecast communication Alternative weather forecasting models used in Europe The importance of accurate communication rather than challenging weather science How attractions adapt to changing weather patterns and climate conditions Future plans for the weather forecast campaign New developments at Chester Zoo including Heart of Africa and The Reserve lodges The Eden Project's 25th anniversary celebrations and Eden Sessions Optimism for the future of the visitor attraction sector Show references: Guest Host: Olly Reed - Marketing Director of Navigate https://www.navigate.agency/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigate-agency https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-reed/ Guests: Simon Townsend of Eden Project http://www.edenproject.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/eden-project/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-townsend-10137914/ Rob Comley - Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager at Chester Zoo http://www.chesterzoo.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/chester-zoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcomley/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Olly Reed. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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How Visitor Attractions Can Balance Technology and Human Interaction - Bala McAlinn
May 2700:40:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Bala McAlinn, Managing Director Complete Works to discuss how visitor attractions can balance technology with authentic human interaction. Bala shares how storytelling, performance techniques and well-trained frontline teams can transform guest experiences, increase revenue and encourage repeat visits, while exploring why technology should support human connection rather than replace it. Topics Discussed Balancing technology and human interaction in attractions Why storytelling improves guest experiences Using theatrical techniques in visitor attractions Training frontline teams to create memorable interactions How live experiences increase revenue and repeat visits The importance of authentic human connection Christmas and Halloween event production for attractions Creating immersive shows and seasonal experiences Why attractions should invest in people as well as technology The role of confidence and communication in guest engagement How attractions can improve experiences without major budgets Using staff feedback to improve visitor experiences The growing importance of experiential entertainment Networking and collaboration within the attractions industry Why events and live experiences encourage repeat visitation Show references: Bala McAlinn - Managing Director Complete Works www.complete-works.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/completeworks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bala-mcalinn-05406683/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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Theme Park Awards: How They Work and Why You Should Care - Lawrence Roots
May 2000:30:45Tap to summarizeAndy Povey is joined by Lawrence Roots to explore the growing importance of the UK Theme Park Awards and why they matter to operators across the visitor attraction industry. Lawrence shares how the awards recognise excellence across parks of all sizes, combine expert judging with public voting, and help raise standards across the sector. They also talk about the emerging trends in the UK theme park industry, the value of consistency and creativity, and practical advice for operators looking to create award-winning guest experiences. Topics Discussed The origins and evolution of the UK Theme Park Awards How public voting and expert judging combine to decide winners Why awards matter for marketing, recognition and team motivation The role of creativity, consistency and guest experience in judging New award categories, including Rising Star and Outstanding Achievement Trends shaping the UK theme park industry in 2026 Major upcoming projects and investments across UK parks Why smaller operators can compete alongside major brands The importance of understanding audience needs Practical ways attractions can improve experiences without large budgets Why investing in people is as important as investing in attraction Show references: Lawrence Roots, Founder of UK Theme Park Awards https://www.ukthemeparkawards.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ukthemeparkawards/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-roots/ Nominations for the UK Theme Park Awards 2026 are now open. Register to make nominations and vote in the UK Theme Park Awards. https://www.ukthemeparkawards.com/register Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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How is AI starting to play a role in visitor attractions - Dominique Bouchard
May 1300:52:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle and incoming Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming heritage storytelling. They discuss the creation of the world’s first interactive historical AI avatar, how Leeds Castle brought Queen Eleanor of Castile to life, and what this innovation means for the future of visitor engagement across heritage attractions. Topics Discussed: How artificial intelligence is reshaping heritage storytelling The creation of Leeds Castle’s interactive Queen Eleanor of Castile AI avatar Balancing historical accuracy with AI driven visitor interaction The design and development process behind the world first historical avatar Using AI to create personalised visitor experiences Audience reactions to experimental heritage technology Ethical considerations of AI in museums and heritage sites How AI can support interpretation and visitor engagement The challenges of introducing emerging technology in heritage settings Blending creative storytelling with digital innovation Practical advice for attractions exploring AI adoption The future of AI within museums and heritage organisations Dominique Bouchard’s upcoming move to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The potential for future AI driven heritage experience Show references: Dr Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle. Soon-to-be Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/about-us/news-media/press-releases/leading-uk-museum-appoints-its-first-creative-director/ Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile https://www.leeds-castle.com/ https://www.leeds-castle.com/events/pilgrimage-of-love-eleanor-of-castile/ https://youtu.be/U29H_PHrh14?si=NDbHAwR0CTTIuApY Museum and Heritage show at Olympia London, Theatre 3 at 2:15 on Wednesday 13th May, 2026 https://show.museumsandheritage.com/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop’ — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here
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